6 Causes of Sump Pump Failure

September 16, 2016

Don’t leave sump pump installation to less than reputable plumbers – it could cost you thousands in damage.

If you have a sump pump at home, chances are you know how finicky these machines can be. They sometimes seem prone to failure at the most inopportune times! And yet, sump pumps are the last lines of defense from potentially thousands of dollars of water damage to your home. Proper maintenance of your sump pump is one way to prevent failure and headaches. Here are some other reasons why your sump pump could fail.

1. The Power Goes Out

Sump pumps need electricity to run… which is why they tend to turn into useless hunks of metal and plastic when the power goes out during a thunderstorm. You can prevent this problem by installing a backup generator – your sump pump will continue to help protect your home.

2. Sump Pump is the Wrong Size

Your sump pump needs to be in the “Goldilocks” zone – neither too small, nor too big. If it’s too big, the pump ends up working harder which shortens its lifespan. But if it’s too small, the pump can’t keep up with the amount of water it needs to process.

3. Improperly Installed

Your sump pump installation should not be handled by amateurs or less than reputable plumbers. Pumps must be installed correctly and exactly to manufacturer specifications in order to run well and protect your home from damage. It is highly advised to contact a professional plumber with a good reputation for pump installation.

4. Switch Problems

When the pump shifts positions in the basin, the float becomes ineffective. This causes problems for the on/off switch of the sump pump system.

5. Blocked Discharge Lines

An important component of the sump pump system is the line which directs water from your home to the outside. If this line is blocked off, either through freezing or clogging, it can cause your system to fail.

6. Defective Product

While rare, you might be in the possession of a defective sump pump. The best way to protect against this is to make sure the system is tested thoroughly after installation.

Ready to Prevent Plumbing Problems From Giving You a Headache?

Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100 or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with any potential plumbing problems in your home. We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.